Liyak "Bout to Bust" Rhust

Fighter profile of Liyak Rhust by Adam Leigh

Liyak Rhust has been steadily making a name for himself fighting with Australia’s Vanquish Combat Club in Sydney. The welterweight who resides on the east coast of Australia, grew up in Dallas, Texas and has had 4 fights so far with the #3 ranked Australian promotion. He currently holds the 170 lbs title as well as a 3 fight win streak.

“Bout to Bust” started on the independent scene, going 5-1 whilst earning himself a QFC tournament semi-finals appearance before turning his sights to VCC. Since joining Jake Parkinson and his fighting promotion, the American had a slight stumble, losing his first fight to Ross Rhea before streaking 3 straight.

Although still very early in his pro MMA career, Rhust feels it’s the lower tier opponents he has faced so far that he’d attribute to his current success. “Weak opponents. No disrespect to the managers I've faced so far but most of my opponents just weren't high calibre fighters.”

It may seem a little cocky at first look, but he also knows it’s just the level he’s at and it may not always be this way. “I come in and do what I do but I'm not stupid. I know there's some guys out there that'd tear me apart.”

At 25 years of age and just getting started, Rhust seems to be enjoying his time with Vanquish and fighting in Australia. Currently, he’s the #1 ranked fighter with VCC and would be happy to make this a long term thing.

“I'm pretty good here down under. I don't see a long future of fighting ahead of me so I'll probably finish my career here in Australia.” Rhust said. “As long as Vanquish wants to keep me around, I'll stay here until I'm done fighting. I feel like it's a pretty good fit here.”

Rhust has remarkable wrestling. His takedowns and ground and pound are a big part of his arsenal as his last opponent Alf Stewart can attest to. Stewart had the better hands coming into their title bout yet fell suffered a TKO loss after Rhust got an early takedown and went to work, finishing with 11 of 14 ground strikes landed (78%) in a Fight of the night performance.

The natural 171 pounder could cut down to fight as a lightweight and this was his initial plan when turning his sights on a pro MMA career. Circumstances, mainly money and contractual ties, have him in the welterweight division and holding the Aussie organization’s divisional title.

“Bout to Bust” Rhust has defended the VCC welterweight title once and is set to take on the undefeated Mateo Da Vinci this Sunday June 7 at Hyashi's Lounge in Sydney in a non-title fight. Rhust seemed his realistically minded self when speaking of his upcoming fight.

“I've been on a good run but I have a bad feeling about Mateo Da Vinci. This guys for real and he's coming for my belt! I'll tell you one thing though, I'm not going down without a fight! Let’s get it Da Vinci! Bring the fireworks because it's gonna be a show!”

It’s still early, but with 6 TKO victories to his name and the top rank in Australia’s ever growing VCC, Australian MMA fans might just see his name headlining more events for the foreseeable future. Rhust looked just as pleased to continue to fight before his Australian audience: "I love Aussie MMA. Oi Oi Oi.”

Article views: 125
» Donate to this author

Editorial Staff
Tycoon Times Discussion

MMA Tycoon
MMA Chat Room
MMA Forum